Booker T Calls AEW Retirement Spot for Veterans

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T described All Elite Wrestling as a "retirement spot" for veteran performers during the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, suggesting the promotion offers a light workload and steady pay for wrestlers nearing the end of their careers. The comments, made alongside cohost Brad Gilmore, came as the two discussed the future of Chris Jericho and whether the longtime star might remain with AEW rather than return to WWE.

Booker T, a five-time WCW Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer, reflected on his own career while explaining the appeal of AEW's structure. "I wish they had AEW around when I was doing this thing," he said. "I would have just camped out. Made me a little tent. I would have been going nowhere, man. I'm serious. They pay you not to work in AEW." He portrayed the Jacksonville-based company as a comfortable landing for established talent seeking to wind down, calling it "a safe haven" and "definitely a retirement spot if you're definitely looking to wrap this up in the right way."

To illustrate his point, Booker T pointed to Ric Flair, the 16-time world champion who remains under contract with AEW despite limited recent contributions....